
At the end of February, just a couple months ago, I moved to LA with close to no living room furniture. I kid you not, that picture up there is exactly what it looked like when I arrived — a desk, a $10 IKEA lamp, and a confused looking dog (who just happened to pose there on his own free will).
After the past few years of moving around Southern California and Japan, and acquiring no furniture in the process, I decided it was time to actually make my apartment feel like a cozy, happy home — something that would make me smile as soon as I walked in the door. I went for a bohemian modern look and feel so, SO happy with the outcome. At the risk of sounding super click-baity, I really think it’s hardly recognizable now from that depressing, “before” picture up there and I’m pretty darn excited to show you around. Now, let me take you on a tour of my LA living room! 🙂

Ta-da! This is the main area — a comfy place to hang out, work, and take naps with my pup. By the way, I have to tell you up front that as a web designer, I obsessed over this project. My boyfriend, Paul, can certainly attest to that! 😉 Every time he came over he’d say it was like playing hide and seek because there was always something new to discover. Ha! It felt like a puzzle that I was piecing together over the span of two months. And as much work as it was, I enjoyed every second of it.


Ahh this chair. It’s handmade from bamboo and rattan and I love how it combines together the natural and modern look I was going for. Plus, it’s comfy. #booyah

Just a pic of me being a goofball in my natural habitat. #TheUsual



This is the view from the couch, which is just my style: bright and a little quirky. Also, that credenza is one of my favorite pieces. It has some slight, geometric curves, which adds a little funkiness to it, don’tcha think? 🙂


Monja is clearly all, “Mommmm you’re embarrassing me.” This happens a lot when you treat your corgi like a human child.

I plucked those bougainvillea from a plant outside my door. Don’t tell my landlord, k? 🙂
By the way, those white flowers are real, promise. I feel like they look kind of fake, so I needed to clear that up before you deem me as some old lady who dusts her flowers in her spare time. 😉

This Apt2B couch was the very first thing I got for my living room. I knew I wanted the room to feel bright and airy, so I opted for a light grey couch to keep things light and modern. It’s really comfy, fits a few people and a dog like a charm, and has cute little mid-century legs that I love. I never thought I liked tufting until I met this couch, but I think we’re going to be real good friends from here on out.

This blue, glass lamp brings in a nice pop of color, doesn’t it? And that painting above it is one of my favorite flea market finds to date. 🙂

That colorful print is probably the oldest thing in this entire room; I’ve had it since college. My friend, Jeff, is a ridiculously talented artist and photographer, so I knew I needed one of his creations. I love the way he brings color and observation into his work. He doesn’t have an online shop, but if you email him about printing any of his work, he’s more than down to do it.


The art above the couch was one of my biggest tasks. I was very meticulous in picking art that both inspired me and that fit together well. Gallery walls usually aren’t my thing because I think they sometimes look cluttered (bah, sorry!), so I spent about a decade working on it. I also scoured Emily Henderson’s blog because she has ah-mazing tips for gallery walls (and pretty much anything related to interiors!). Seriously, that woman is a genius.

Oh hai. 🙂


Annnnnd that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed the little tour around my bohemian modern living room. 🙂 I can’t believe I can finally file this project under “DONE!” It was such a blast to create and I know I’ll keep adding to it over the years. It’s nice to finally have a place that feels like home. 🙂
Which part of the living room decor is your favorite? I’d love to hear!
Full list of products mentioned: monroe sofa c/o Apt2B, coffee table c/o Apt2B, moroccan rug, jute rug, woven chair c/o Forma Living, patan pouf c/o Lulu & Georgia, abstract art prints c/o Britt Bass, floor lamp, blue table lamp c/o LampsPlus, white side table c/o Sauder, throw pillows c/o Lulu & Georgia (1, 2, 3), leaf print, ponytail girl print, macramé plant hanger, colorful face print, credenza, throw blanket c/o Lulu & Georgia. Anything received complimentary is marked with “c/o,” but of course, I wouldn’t include anything I didn’t adore. 🙂 Thank you thank you to the brands who helped me with this big project — I’m so grateful for your support.














I loved everything about this post and gives me excitement to spruce my studio apartment up a bit. Thanks for the weekend inspiration love.
Woo! So glad you like it, Myngan! Thank you 🙂
This is beautiful!! I can definitely see how all the hard work paid off! I’m loving the gallery wall, couch and bamboo chair. It’s inspiring me to get creative with some decor projects! Thanks for sharing, Melyssa! 🙂
Woohoo! Thank you Gina! 🙂
This space is so stunning! I love how it’s simple, yet bold and colorful. The wall art and the couch are my favorite parts. And I love that you included a list of the products mentioned!! So helpful 🙂
Thank you so much Hayley! Glad you like it. 🙂
What a bright and pretty space! Very inspirational! I especially love the colorful boho modern mashup. Great job!
Elle in Bloom
Thanks girl! Glad you enjoy it. 🙂
I love the simplicity. It’s not bare or cluttered – it’s just right. You did a great job!
Aww thank you Rosy! I appreciate that! 🙂
I love your gallery wall. My house has really tall ceilings and that’s something that I would like to incorporate into my decor. Thanks for the providing the link to Emily Henderson’s blog. I remember watching her on HGTV Design Star and just loving everything she did. I’m thrilled to discover that she blogs as well 🙂
I bet tall ceilings would look gorgeous with any decor! 😀 And yesss Emily Henderson’s blog is awesome. She’s so funny and helpful!
I love that it’s simple, but still homey with the pops of color. Also, love your corgi. 🙂
Thank you Kendall! Totally what I was going for. 🙂
This seriously looks like something that could be featured on Design Love Fest. You did an incredible job with styling. My favorite part is all of the beautiful art you have hanging up. Well done!
Gahh I appreciate that so much, Kayla! That also happens to be one of my favorite blogs. 😀 Thank you thank you!
This looks amazing! It seems to suit you just perfectly. I love the gallery wall, it’s so cohesive and understated. I hate gallery walls that are too overwhelming, so you did an amazing job with that! Also, it’s so cool that you were able to work with so many brands to make this happen. #goals 🙂
Thank you Suzanne! So glad you like it and that was the exact look I was going for with the gallery wall! 😀 YAY!
Wow, I love this style! It’s the perfect combination of bright and colorful. I especially love all the plants you included. Every room needs some greenery in my opinion. 🙂 You did such an amazing job!
Thank you Allison! And I totally agree about adding plants. I can’t wait to get more. 🙂
LOVE the art! I was in the same situation with my apartment about a year ago (aka zero furniture to speak of) but finding artwork is still a serious challenge for me! I adore the mix of prints and colors. I’m also a little obsessed with all your plants…I think getting some of my own will be a goal for this summer. 🙂 Congrats on your cozy little space!
Thank you Allison!! So glad you like it. 🙂 And I never really got big plants like this before, but was so surprised with how much they added to the room! Plants all the way!! 🙂
What a beautiful transformation!
I love that couch! There’s just something about a grey couch…
Kristi
http://www.beloverly.com
Thank you Kristi! 🙂 I love the way the couch keeps the room bright. 🙂
I’m currently waiting for the movers to come and take away my cardboard boxes, but this post has already gotten me excited for dorm deco next year! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Woohoo! 🙂
OMG, Melyssa! How beautiful is this?! I love it so much! Looks like you’ve finally settled in to your new place! BTW your hair looks great. LOL. Hi, Monja! 🙂
Aw thank you Maya!! Glad you like it. 🙂 And YAY thanks about my hair. This is one of those rare days when I actually styled it. 😉
Looks great!! Love seeing these kind of posts 🙂 Only problem for me is that I’m currently trying to save up for my down payment and these photos make me impatient and want my place now lol. Happy Friday!
Ahh your space looks GORGEOUS!!!
Thank you Alisha!! 🙂
What a gorgeous space! I love the jute rug, the couch, gallery wall and Monja, of course 🙂
Thanks Carmia! Those are some of my favs, too. Monja, definitely. 🙂
I love it!! This is so gorgeous! What an inspiring place 🙂
Aww thank you Chloe!! 🙂
Beautiful living room! I agree that a lot of gallery walls are overwhelming. I think you did a wonderful job.
Thank you Jennifer! 🙂
I’m i love with that couch!
Aww thank you Asia!! 🙂 I love it, too!
What a pretty space! When can I come over? I’m a huge floor sitter though, so I think I’d move your coffee table out a bit and sit on that comfy looking rug! What a chic little space you have over there Melyssa! So pretty!
Thank you Amanda! You are welcome aaaanytime! 🙂 And the rug is super comfy — it would love for you to sit on it! haha. 🙂
How cuuute!!! Absolutely obsessed with the colors of your gallery! I also love all of the plants! They’re definitely something i’ve been meaning to add to our space, it makes a room feel alive! ^_^
I totally agree, Laura! And yay! Glad you like it. 🙂
I didn’t know you have a boy friend. Ha! That’s one thing that stuck to me when I read this post. Anyway, I love your couch. Super neat colors you’ve got going on there.
hehe yep! He’s great. 🙂 And thank you! 🙂
Your art is incredible! I love! x
Blog | A Girl with a Camera
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Thank you Margery! 🙂
Wow what a lovely space!
Thank you! 🙂
It looks fantastic Melyssa! I really like the credenza and all the colourful elements.
Thanks Marleen! The credenza is a little understated in these photos, but it’s one of my favorite parts, too. 🙂
Love it! All the colors work so well together.
Thank you Kaelene!! 🙂
Looks great!
Thanks Benji! Hope you’re well, bud. 🙂
I want room like this 🙁
http://modern-basics.blogspot.com/
Do it! It took me awhile to finally create it, so don’t feel bad if yours isn’t quite where you want it to be yet. 🙂
It looks beautiful. We’ve not got any furniture of our own since we’ve moved abroad so often these last few years. Now we’re back in England we’re still going to have to rent (furnished) but I can’t wait to find a space we can make more of our own. You’ve done an excellent job.
PS: I love your Californian hair these days!
I totally know that feeling, Amy! And my Californian hair thanks you! haha 🙂
Looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the mixture of classic design lines and funky touches, and it all absolutely explodes with personality! Nicely done!
What an awesome compliment! Thank you Kristin! 🙂
beautiful 🙂
Thanks Rafim! 🙂
That’s so beautiful. I’ve just moved and put my living space together and I’m so inspired by your wall art. The blue and pinks together are just perfect!
Thank you Katherine! Glad you like it. 🙂 Those were my two favorite colors to work with!
It looks amazing! I am not really into the modern look typically, but I LOVE Bohemian decor! I feel like you brought the two looks together very nicely.
I think your throw pillows and the art above your couch are just perfect 🙂
Kristin // The Peculiar Treasure
thepeculiartreasureblog.com
Thanks so much Kristin! Glad you like it. 🙂
Looks good Mel! I especially love your rugs! I tried decorating when I moved into my apartment a year ago and sort of gave up halfway through… this makes me want to pick back up!
Thank you Danielle! I really love the layered rugs, too. One just wasn’t enough. 😉
What a beautiful transformation of an empty room (and confused dog) to a cute home (and happy, settled dog). I love the happy colors throughout the art. Your landlord should reduce your rent since your efforts have added significant value to his or her property!
Thanks dad! Glad you like it. 🙂 The confused dog is currently sleeping on the rug, so I think he does, too. 😉
Found you from a link up, but can I just say I love what you’ve done with the place. It’s gorgeous from what it looked like before!
liz @ sundays with sophie
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Glad you like it and thank you for stopping by. 🙂
It all came together so great, Melyssa! I love how you kept it clean and bright with intentional pops of color, and I love the pieces you chose for your gallery wall!
Thank you Stacia!! That was my vision exactly. 🙂
I love how your space looks especially the gallery wall. I still haven’t sorted any wall art in my new place….I really must start soon. Seeing as it took you ages to decide.
Definitely! I created a “secret” pinterest board where I pinned all of the art and furniture I was considering. That made it easier to decide later on, because I could see what it all looked like together. 🙂
haha I can totally imagine! I can’t wait to have my own home one day. 😀
It looks beautiful!!! I love the mix of neutrals and color. So many pretty things!
Thank you Kayse! 🙂
Wonderful space, Melyssa!! I need one of those fiddle leaf fig trees in my life!!
Thank you Carmen!! And you certainly do. 🙂 I love how much character it has!
Oh my gosh I LOVE all of those paintings on your wall. Those colors definitely speak to my soul! //end weird color/soul talk
Thanks for sharing this!!
Glad you liked it, Amanda! 🙂
Looks amazing! So inspiring! Wishing you all the best in your new home:-)
Thanks so much Kristen! 🙂
Your living room looks SO great, well done!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Thank you so much, Kelly! 🙂
wheeereeeeee did you get that beautiful white & purple pillow tho?!
Lulu & Georgia 🙂 http://www.luluandgeorgia.com/accessories/pillows/taliah-pillow-violet
thanks!!!
I’d love to know where you found your fiddle fig leaf plant! I’ve been searching all over and cannot find one for our space!
Hey Lauren! Home Depot/Lowe’s are good places to check. If not, you can also order them on Amazon! I also read that some Ikea locations carry small ones. Hope that helps! 🙂
ahhh so happy I stumbled upon this pretty living room of yours – love your gallery wall. you totally spruced this space up and made it pretty and comfy. LOVE it! xx
Thank you so much, Caitlin! 🙂
love this look. what size is your jute rug and moroccan rug? my sofa is about 7.5′ wide.
Hey Gigi! I can’t remember off the top of my head, but they are linked at the bottom of the post with all the available sizes!
Just found your blog. Well, about an hour ago actually 🙂
I love all the info and pics that you have up.
Good content! I’ve found 5 things that have inspired me <3
Thanks!!!
Yay! I’m so glad that you’ve been enjoying the content, Cathy. Thanks for letting me know and best of luck with everything! 😀